The hammer fist can be an extremely powerful technique, or a quick stopper, depending on how you use it. There are generally two popular styles of executing this technique. Practiced, your arm could become a power lever, devastating your opponent in both weak and strong parts of their body. Or it could become quick, but effective stop-hit. Either way, every martial artist should consider adding this technique to their arsenal.
Correct Technique and Execution
The first version of the hammer fist is executed much to the effect of a falling hammer. Raise your elbow to just under your shoulder, the rest of the arm beyond the elbow stand straight upwards. The fist should be bawled in the same formation as a straight punch (that is, vertical, not horizontal). Let the arm above the elbow fall like a hammer, focusing the impact in the same area on the knife of the hand.
The second version is more like a lever, and travels across the user's body and not directly forward in front of it. Hold your amr up similarly to the version above. But instead of letting it fall forwards, draw a parabola (make a small semi-circle), rotating the arm around until the palm of the fist is facing up. NOTE: if you are striking with the right hand, you rotate it around to the right, then strike to the left, and the opposite for the other side. Now snap it across your body, using your hips to propel it, into the enemy, which your opposite shoulder should be pointing at.
Tips and Usage
The first version of the hammer fist strike should be used more a an effort to stop an advance or distract an attacker. The best place to target with this strike is the nose, since it is soft and easily broken.
The second version of the hammer fist should be used as a power strike. On of the best places to target is the solar plexus. If you train this technique to devastating power and accuracy, you could break the sternum, cause the enemy to black out, or even stop their heart, killing them. Be careful with this version and practice is on a dummy or bag, not a person.
You won't be sorry with this technique!
Joshua started his martial journey in the art of Taekwondo, and holds a rank of second degree black belt. He has since developed a love for Chinese martial arts and currently studies Wing Chun Kung fu. He has dabbled in many styles, including: Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu Karate, Five Animal Kung fu, Capoeira, Taiji quan, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, American Kenpo and Eskrima/Arnis. Joshua also loves to write, and is inspired by his strong Christian Faith. He has been studying martial arts for ten years.
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